Wardrobe Supervisor

Position Summary

A member of the production team and reporting to the Director of Production, the Wardrobe Supervisor collaborates with production staff, actors, and contracted personnel to ensure the smooth running, organization, and maintenance of costume elements for the production season and special events.

The Wardrobe Supervisor will play a key role in creating, managing, and maintaining the working environment in the theatre. They will also work closely with actors, designers, directors, crew and staff to shepherd a production process that is focused on supportive, sustainable, and anti-racist practices. The process of costuming a performer is inherently intimate, and the Wardrobe Supervisor will create a welcoming and safe space that protects this intimacy and promotes body positivity.

Duties

Oversee wardrobe crew of 1-2 people and cross-train on tracks.

Originate and run wardrobe track for each production.

Take a lead role in the scheduling, planning, budgeting, and financial management and implementation of all wardrobe elements for mainstage productions.

Work collaboratively with Costume Director, designers, Assistant Stage Manager, and actors to realize quick changes to reach a final onstage costume look which is in-line with industry safety standards and the artistic vision of the production.

Manage and execute required show maintenance on costume elements in collaboration with the Costume Director.

Purchase and maintain all needed wardrobe supplies, including makeup for each production.

Maintain all wardrobe tools and equipment in accordance with the best industry standard practices for safety.

Manage all laundry duties and coordinate dry cleaning.

Supervise all specialty makeup and/or hair and wig needs in collaboration with the Costume Director and any applicable Designers.

Attend and participate in design and production meetings as requested.

Attend technical rehearsals and preview performances.

Attend understudy and put-in rehearsals as needed.

Oversee and lead all load-ins and strikes of costume elements for each production.

Participate in organization-wide anti-racism work and incorporate an anti-racist lens into daily practice. Lookingglass recognizes that it has much to do towards being an anti-racist and a more equitable institution. We believe that our work and our lives are infinitely more complex, rewarding, illuminating, and nearer to truth when we have a wider variety of human experiences in our room, at our table, and on our stage.  This work, by the Board, Ensemble, and staff, is ongoing.

Qualifications

Minimum of 3 years of experience in wardrobe, costume construction, or a related field.

Demonstrated managerial experience, preferably with a performing arts organization.

Demonstrated capacity to build and motivate teams within a welcoming and sustainable work environment.

Ability to prioritize and offer a high degree of support under dynamic and emergent conditions.

Significant hands-on experience with hand and machine sewing.

Comprehensive knowledge of costume care techniques and products.

Knowledge of wardrobe equipment maintenance.

A desire to learn and implement varying technologies and materials.

Must be able to repeatedly ascend/descend stairs and move equipment of up to 50 lbs.

Ability to work nights and weekends for technical rehearsals and mainstage productions.

Ability to work remotely as needed.

Schedule Overview

Circus Quixote

First Rehearsal: Thursday, January 2, 2025

First Tech: Tuesday, January 21, 2025

First Preview: Thursday, January 30, 2025

Press Opening: Saturday, February 8, 2025

Closing: Sunday, March 30, 2025

Iraq, But Funny

First Rehearsal: Monday, April 28, 2025

First Tech: Tuesday, May 20, 2025

First Preview: Thursday, May 29, 2025

Press Opening: Saturday, June 7, 2025

Closing: Saturday, July 26, 2025